SAHARA KARAWANE

good to know!

other countries other customs

Before embarking on such a journey, it is good to realize that we are traveling as guests to a foreign culture and that we should at least know the rules that apply there. The desert dwellers are devout people, Islam in its most peaceful form is a matter close to their hearts. They are very value-oriented and live in mutual respect.

 

Young people respect and honor their elders, and there are tons of aunts and uncles in every family

Berber clothing always covers the entire body, often even the face; they protect themselves from the ever-intense sun from head to toe with light, loose clothing.
Before we leave for the desert, you will have the opportunity to change into appropriate clothing. And Brahim never tires of helping his guests to wrap the “sheesh” around their heads in the morning…

Requirements

Our guests should like to move and enjoy hiking. Parts of the tour take us through rocky mountains and it goes uphill and downhill. Sore muscles on the 2nd and 3rd day are not uncommon.

We will mainly be outdoors and there will be large temperature fluctuations, in the evenings and at night it can be quite cold. It is therefore advisable to dress in layers. Occasionally it can be very windy and occasionally it can rain.

You should enjoy the simple life and be able to sit well on the ground.

Alcohol and drugs

The Berbers do not drink alcohol as a matter of principle and so there will be no alcoholic drinks in our provisions. Instead, sweet, strong Berber tea is prepared at every opportunity – enriched with all kinds of aromatic herbs collected along the way.

 

Even when the nomads are out and about with their animals, tea is a must.

Tips

are customary and welcome in Morocco. A total amount of 150 euros could serve as a guide.

It is possible that we will meet nomadic families on the hike in the desert and be invited there for tea. In this case, too, our support is certainly welcome.

Safety / Health

Compared to other North African countries, Morocco is safe. There were individual attacks in Marrakech and Casablanca years ago, but the government under King Mohammed VI has successfully cracked down on radical elements. The previously high crime rate, which tourists rightly feared, has also been successfully combated.

On our trip, we are accompanied by local guides from the first to the last day and do not have to expose ourselves to any risks.

There are also no health risks in Morocco, such as Ebola. We will carry a normal first-aid kit – you should take blister plasters for your feet and the usual medication (see packing list).

It is not advisable to drink unfiltered well water in the desert. However, it is completely safe to drink as tea or cooked in food. We will carry enough good drinking water and a professional filter system.

 

In the desert, you always go from well to well – some are now solar-powered

Insurances

Your insurance is always your own responsibility. Please make sure you have travel health insurance, as this is a prerequisite for taking part in our trips.

© 2024 Isabel von Roon